RPM also signed Almirola to a three-year extension to mirror the deal with Smithfield.

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Smithfield started as a part-time primary sponsor for the No. 43 Ford in 2012. It has increased its involvement and now has signed on for all but seven races of the 38-race schedule — a coup for RPM at a time when sponsorships are often being divided between multiple companies.

Almirola finished 18th in the Sprint Cup Series last season. He was ranked in the top 12 through the first 13 races.